Needle manipulator assembly for donor sets



March 15 1960 e. K. BURKE 2,928,392

NEEDLE MANIPULATOR ASSEMBLY FOR DONOR SETS Filed June 5, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR GEORGE K. BURKE March 15, 1960 G. K. BURKE 2,928,392

NEEDLE MANIPULATOR ASSEMBLY FOR DONOR SETS Filed June 5, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 [80 l// y/4/ /j// 8\ INVENTOR GEORGE K. BURKE NEEDLE MANIPULATOR ASSEMBLY FOR DONOR SETS George K. Burke, Bethlehem, Pa., assignor to R. K. Laros Co., Kingston, Pa., in corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 5, 1956, Serial No. 589,462 Claims. (Cl. 128-214) ent with the needles and tubing. The arrangement is such together by a length of transparent flexible plastic tubing. In normal use, one of the needles is inserted into the vein of a donor, While the other needle is inserted through the stopper of an evacuated bottle. Blood is thereby caused to flow through the needles and tube into the evacuated container. The needles used for this purpose are of relatively small size. Accordingly, it is desirable to mount the needles in suitable manipulator fittings to facilitate gripping and handling of the needles, as well as to facilitate insertion of the needles into the container or donor, as the case may be.

Generally, the flexible tubing connecting the needles is formed of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride or other suitable plastic material and is connected at the butt end of the needles, in open communication therewith. Heretofore, the effective attachment of the tubing ends to the needles has presented a considerable problem. A common method of connecting the tubing to the needles involves the use of small metal ferrules or dollars which are slipped over the needles and tubing and then crimped to squeeze the plastic tubing into tight engagement with the needle. This is not altogether satisfactory, however, since the crimping of the ferrules is quite critical. That is, if insufficient crimping pressure is applied, the seal will not be airtight, nor will the connection be secure, while if excessive crimping pressure is used, the plastic tubing may be severed. In accordance with the present invention, the donor set is provided with improved manipulator fittings which serve not only to mount the respective needles, but also to secure the plastic tubing properly and effectively to the butt ends of the needles. Each manipulator fitting of this invention includes a chuck or gripping portion which surrounds the butt end of the needle and is adapted to firmly press the walls of the plastic tubing against the outer Walls of the needle to secure the needle and tubing together and maintain an airtight seal therebetween. I

One of the important features of the invention resides in the provision of a needle manipulator assembly, including a flanged needle and a manipulator which is ensleeved over a portion of the needle and is operative to grip the needle and a section of tubing in the absence of permanent deformation of the material forming the gripping portions of the manipulator. The manipulator coacts with the flange on the needle to provide rigid, mechanical support for the needle, while the gripping portion of the manipulator functions to retain the needle and tubing in assembled, sealed relation. Another improved feature of the invention resides in the provision of improved manipulator assemblies for donor sets having thevarious advantages above menthat the sets may be assembled in a practical minimum of time, without special skills or complicated machinery.

For a better understanding of the invention, references should be made to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which: 1

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a donor set incorporating the improved features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a manipulator fitting used in the set of Fig. 1, before assembly of the tube and needle therewith;

' Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 2, with the needle and tubing gripped in the manipulator; V

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 3, showing the completed manipulator assembly;

Fig. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second manipulator fitting assembly incorporated in the donor set of Fig. l;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified manipulator fitting, prior to the assembly of the tube and needle therein;

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 7, showing the completed manipulator assembly;

Fig. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8; t

Fig. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of another'modified form of the manipulator fitting, prior to assembly of the tube and needle therein;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 10, showing the complete manipulator fitting assembly; and

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a modified form of the assembly of Fig. 4 incorpo: rating an adaptor element to accommodate needles of small size.

Referring initially to Figs. 1-5, the numerals liland 11 designate generally a pair of hollow, pointed needles which are connected together, in communication with each other, by means of an elongated flexible tube 12 formed of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or other suitable plastic material. At one end of the set, there is a relatively large manipulator fitting 13 which surrounds and mounts the needle 10 and facilitates handling thereof. At the other end of the set, is a smaller needle manipulating fitting 14 which surrounds and mounts the needle 11. In accordance with usual practice, the needle 10, mounted in the large manipulator 13, is inserted through the self-sealing stopper of a suitable evacuated container, not shown, while the needle 11, mounted in the small manipulator 14, is inserted into the donor. The pressure differential between the needles 10 and 11 causes a flow of blood through the tube 12 and into the evacuated container. through the tube 12 a suitable clamp is provided for the tube. For example, one or more conventional V-shaped'slots may be provided in the fitting 13, into which the tube 12 may be forced to constrict the passage through the tube. Other equivalent clamping devices, not integral with the manipulator, can also be used.

The improved manipulator shown in Figs. 2-5 corresponds to the large manipulator 13 of Fig. l, and is generally of cylindrical shape, having an outside diameter in the order of one-half inch. A flange 16 is provided at one end of the manipulator 13, and a similar flange 17 is provided between the ends of the manipulator in spaced relation to the end flange 16. Together, the flanges 16, 17 facilitate gripping and handling of-the manipulator. 3 r

In its most common form, the large manipulator 13 To control the rate of flow of blood ingan integral part thereof, is a chuck or gripping portion'19. The chuck 19 projects toward the outer end q guesses and the tube.12 is firmly pressed against the outer wall of the needle to form a good seal therewith. In addition, a slight deformation of the tubing is caused to cold flow of the plastic material, as indicated at 12a, so that the tube 12 is both frictionally gripped and locked in place within the chuck 19. The chuck segments press against of the manipulator 13, within an outwardly opening recess therein, andterminates inwardly of the outer end of the manipulator. The outer portion of the chuck 19 has a cylindrical opening 21 disposed concentrically with respect to the manipulator 13 and merging at its inner end with a tapered opening 22. In accordance with the invention, the outer walls 23 of the chuck 19 taperinwardly toward the outer end of the manipuIatO -sub- P stantially in the manner indicated in Fig. 2. In addition, the plurality of outwardly opening slots 24 are provided inthe walls ofthe chuck 19, dividing the oute end of the chuck into a plurality of segments.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 2-5, the

' cylindrical opening 21 in the chuck 19 may have a diameter of approximately 0.095 of an inch, sufiicient to freely accommodate the tubing 12 having a diameter of approximately 0.082 of an inch. In the assemblyof the donor.

set, one end of the tube 12 is inserted intothe manipulator 13, from the inner end thereof, and passed through the chuck 19.; The hollow needle 10, having an outside vdiameter of approximately 0.060 of an inch, is then inserted within the tube 12, having an .inside diameter of approximately 0.050 of an inch, until the end of the tube abuts against the flange 25a of a collar 25 secured to the shank of the needle intermediate its ends. In this respect, it will be noted that the inside diameter of the tube 12 is suflicicntly less than the outside diameter of the :needle 10 to cause the end ofthe tube to be deformed and expanded slightlywhen the end of the needle is inserted therein.

When the tube 12 and needle '10 are. thus assembled, the butt end of the needle 10 is pushed into the cylindrical opening 21 in the chuck 19, until the flange 25a abuts against the outer end of the chuck, substantially as shown in Fig. 3. The inwardly'projecting portion the walls of the tubing over a length of approximately one-eighth to one-fourth inch, so that a substantial gripping area is afforded.

In the complete manipulator assembly, as shown in Fig. 4, the wedge cap 26 is tightly secured in the fitting 13 by the frictional engagement between the projecting walls of the cap and the walls of the recess 20 and chuck 19. Theneedle 10 is provided with rigid mechanical support, restraining axial movement of the needle by the end of the chuck 19 and the end cap 26, which confine .and support the flanged collar 25; and the tube 12 is firmlysecured to the buttend of the needle as well as sealed therewith by the inward pressure of the chuck *s'egmcntsl9. In actual practice, the tube 12 is secured so tightly to the needle 10 that the plastic material of the tube will rupture before the tube will release from the chuck 19, while at the same time the possibility of rupturing the tube by applying excessive clampingpressure is.

wholly obviated;

The form of the invention shown to that shown in Figs. 2-5, except that the features of the manipulator of Fig. 6 are such as to make it of small overall size, similar to the small manipulator 14 in Fig. 1. Thus, the manipulator 40 of Fig. 6 comprises an elongated body portion 410i relatively small diameter having a recess 42 therein opening at the'inner or righthand end of the manipulator and extending throughout a' substantial portion of its length. At its outer end, the

bodyportion 41 has a shoulder 43 and a plurality of forwardly projecting chuck segments 44, forming an integral part of the body portion 41. A cylindrical opening, 45 extends through the chuck segments 44, and joins with a diverging opening 46 merging at its inner end with the recess 42. V

In accordance with the invention, the outer surfaces of the chuck segments 44 are. tapered, and are adapted to closely-interfit with the diverging inner surface 46 of a of the needle 10, being of somewhat greater lengththan the opening 21 in the chuck 19, projects into the taperedopening 22. The assembled needle and tube have atotal outside diameter of approximately 0.089 of an inch, and

will therefore be freely-accommodated in the chuck.19

having an opening of 0.095 inch.

To complete the' manipulator assembly, and firmly seal and grip the assembled tube and needle, an end or wedge cap 26 is inserted within the cylindrical recess 20. In accordance withthe invention, the'cap 26 has.

As: shown in Fig. 4, after the assembledineedle'and tube are inserted within the chuck 19, the inwardly projecting walls of the wedge cap. enter the tapered an nular areabetween the chuck 19 and recess 201 Pres sure is then applied to the cap 26 toxurge'it into the recess '20, causing the tapered wall surface 28 of the cap to press upon the outer walls 23 of the chuck, urging the segments of the chuck inwardly, closing the opening flierethrough'to approximately 0.081 of "an inch, and pressingthe segments into tightjengagement with the outer-walls of the plastic tube-'12; The side walls of-the tube 12 are thereby compressed about 0.007 of an inch,

wedge cap 47. Preferably, the Wedge .cap 47 has the same outside diameter as the body portion 41.

The manipulator 40 is assembled by inserting the end of a plastic tube 48 into the recess 42 and through the cylindrical opening 45 defined by the chuck segments 44. The end ofthe tubing is then placed over the butt end of a needle 49 having a flanged collar 50 in its mid-portion. The cylindrical opening 45 defined by the chuck segments 44 is initially about 0.095 of an inch in diameter, and is adapted to freely receive the assembled tube and needle, with the flange 50a of the collar 50 engaging an abutment surface formed by the forward endsof the chuck segments 44.

' After the assembled needle and tube are fully inserted in the chuck, the wedge cap 47 is applied over the end of the needle and pressed onto the chuck segments 44 until the end of the capengages the shoulder 43 on the body portion 41. When the cap 47 is thus applied;

the diverging surfaces 46 thereof press inwardly upon the taperedouter surfaces of the chucksegments 44, causing the segments to be pressed inwardly. and urged into tight engagement with the walls of the tube 48.

the flange 50a between. the outerpend of the chuck. segments 44 and the'wedge cap 47.

Where desired, the wedge cap, 47 may be provided in Fig. 6 is similar 1 with an axial groove or recess adapted to engage with parts of the needle hub or collar 50 to properly orient the needle 49 in the manipulator.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 7-9, a large manipulator 60 has a chuck 61 forming an integral part of the manipulator and comprising a plurality of chuck segments 62 which project inwardly of the manipulator, from a point near the outer end thereof. At the outer end of the manipulator 60 is a large diameter cylindrical recess 63 of short axial length joining a second cylindrical recess 64 of smaller diameter. The recess 64 connects with a tapered opening 65, concentric with the chuck 61, which extends from the chuck to the outer end of the fitting and increases in diameter toward the outer end. The tapered opening 65 terminates short of the inner end of the chuck 61 and joins with a cylindrical opening 66 extending through the inner end portion of the chuck.

In accordance with the teachings of the invention, the diameter of the cylindrical opening 66 is about 0.082 of an inch, or just large enough to receive the end portion of a plastic tube 67. In assembling the manipulator, the tubing 67 is inserted through the chuck 61 from the inner or right-hand end of the manipulator and is projected beyond the outer end of the manipulator. The projecting end of the tubing 67 is then ensleeved over the butt end of a needle 68 having a flanged collar 69 intermediate its ends. When the tube and needle are assembled together, the portion of the tube surrounding the needle is about 0.089 of an inch in diameter, or slightly greater diameter than the normal diameter of the tube, and hence of greater diameter than the opening 66 in the chuck 61. Accordingly, when the assembled tube and needle are inserted through the tapered opening 65 into the chuck 61, the chuck will be urged to expand, and this is permitted by providing a plurality of slots 70 dividing the inner end portion of the chuck to a plurality of segments 61'.

Although the individual segments 61 of the chuck 61 will expand or spread apart upon insertion of the assembled needle and tube, the inherent resilience of the segments 61' will cause the segments to press tightly against the tube and needle to form a seal therebetween and to firmly secure the parts in the manipulator. The side walls of the tube will also be compressed, causing a cold flow of the plastic material and forming bulges at the ends of the chuck to lock the tube in place in the chuck.

When the needle 68 is fully inserted in the manipulator 60, the flange 69a of the collar 69 is received in the cylindrical recess 64 and abuts against a shoulder 640 at the inner end of the recess. An apertured disc 71 is then applied over the needle 68 and collar 69, and received Within the recess 63. The disc 71 overlies the flange 69a and serves to confine the flange within the recess 64. The disc 71 is cemented or otherwise secured in the recess 63, thereby providing mechanical support for the needle 68.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. and 11, a manipulator 80 is formed of a single piece of plastic material. At its inner or right-hand end, the manipulator 80 has a generally cylindrical recess opening at the inner end of the manipulator and extending throughout a substantial portion of its length. Near the outer end of the manipulator 80 is an opening 82 of reduced (approximately 0.082 inch) diameter which, in the preferred form, has tapered side walls diverging slightly in either direction from the central portion of the opening. At its inner or left-hand end, the opening 82 communicates with the recess 81, and at its outer end. the opening 82 communicates with an opening 83 having tapered walls diverging toward the outer end of the manipulator. In accordance with the invention, the minimum diameter of the opening 82 is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the needle 84 (approximately 0i060 inch) to be received in the manipulator but slightly less than the diameter of the assembly comprising the needle 84 and the end portion of a tube 85 (approximately 0.089 inch).

86 on the needle abuts against the outer end of the manipulator. When the needle is fully inserted into the manipulator, the inwardly projecting portion thereof extends through the small diameter opening of the chuck with the needle 84, and firmly locks the assembled needleand tubing in place in the manipulator 80 in the manner desired.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 12, an, adaptor 90 is employed to accommodate a needle 91 of As in the other forms of the invention, the small diameter needle 91 is provided with a flanged colsmall size.

lar 92, the flange 92a of which engages .an abutment surface formed at the forward end of a chuck 93 form ing part of a manipulator 94. The shank or butt end 91a of the needle is, however, somewhat smaller than the opening in the chuck 93 and the passage in the tube 95. Accordingly, a sleeve-like adaptor 90, having an outside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of a standard needle, is received over the butt end 91a of the needle 91. The tubing is then ensleeved over the adaptor 90, and the assembled needle, adaptor and tubing are inserted into the chuck 93, substantially as shown in Fig. 12. All of the advantages of the invention are retained when the adaptor 90 is employed, since the tube 95 is gripped and sealed in the same manner, and the flange 92a provides rigid mechanical support for the needle 91, to resist axial forces applied against the needle.

For purposes of illustration, the manipulator 94 indicated in Fig. 12 is equivalent to that shown in Figs. 2-5. However, it will be understood that the adaptor element may be incorporated in any of the modifications contemplated by the invention.

In all forms of the invention, the lesilient nature of the plastic manipulator or tubing is utilized to effect the application of sealing and securing pressure on the walls of the tubing surrounding the inner end of the needle, such sealing and securing pressure being applied in the absence of permanent deformation of the material forming the gripping portions of the manipulator. At the same time, the needle is provided with rigid mechanical support by means of a flanged collar abutting against a portion of the manipulator. The arrangement is such that axial forces applied to the needle, while inserting the needle into a container or into the arm of a donor, are wholly isolated from the chuck portion of the manipulator, in which the tube and needle are gripped and sealed.

In all of its forms, the new manipulator is of inexpensive design, being adapted for manufacture by ordinary plastic molding techniques. In this respect, the new manipulator provides for substantial economies in the manufacture of donor sets. Moreover, the assembly of the donor sets is substantially simplified with the The assembled tube and needle are then inmanipulator, of the invention, resulting in: substantialv 1..A needle manipulator assembly for a blood donor set comprising in combination a hollow needle having a butt end and a pointed end, a section of deformable plastic tube of circular cross-section ensleeved over the butt end of said needle and extending along the side wall thereof, a manipulator ensleeved over the butt end of said needle and said tube, said manipulator having an inner end and an. outer endzand having an integral portionforming a chuck, said chuck having a plurality of.resilient segments surrounding said tube and the butt endmof said needle to compress said tube toward said needle to securesaid tube and needle together, the chuck segments having tapered outer surfaces converging toward the outer endof saidmanipulator, and means to urge said segments toward the walls of said needle comprisinga wedge. cap received about said segments and acterizedtby said needle having means forming afiange between its butt and pointed ends, said chuck segments.- forming an-abutment engaging said flange and providing. rigidimechanical support for said needle, and said wedge cap being received oversaid needle and engaging said flange to retain said flange in engagement with said abutment.

4. A needle manipulator assembly for a blood donor setcomprising in combination a hollow needle having.

a butt end and a pointed end, means forming a flange between the butt and pointed ends of said needle, a section of a deformable plastic tubing ensleeved over the butt. end of saidneedle and extending alongthe surroundingsaid tubing and needle and gripping said tubing,,and said chuck comprising a plurality of resilient v chuck'segmentssidewall .thereof, anda manipulator ensleeved about thebutt end of said needle and having a chuck gripping said tubing and holding said tubing against: the side wall of said-needle, said manipulator having abutmentmeans rigid mechanical f support for said'needle, said chuck 5. A needle manipulator assembly for a blood donor set comprising a hollow needle'having a butt end and a pointed end, means forming a. flange between the butt means for mounting said needle and .for-sealing and, securing said needle and tubing together, said manipulator means comprising an elongated, generally cylindrical member. having inner and outer ends and having an opening extending longitudinally throughout, the inner endtportion of said opening beingof greater diameter, than said tubing, said manipulator meanshaving a chuck portion intermediate its .ends, said opening extending 1 through said chuck portion and having a diameter within said portion, which is less'by a predeterminedtamountu than the diameter of said tubingand needle when assembled together, said opening including a tapered portion adjoining the openingthrough said chuck portion and decreasing in diameter toward said chuck portion, said chuckportionsurrounding said tubing and needle and gripping said Wtubing, said chuck portion including a plurality of resilient segments, and said manipulator means including a cap member for urging said segmentstoward saidtubing,

' References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Germany- July 3 1, 1911 

